|
I have walked past this place so many times, dismissing it as a diner, but when I finally went in, wow, was I surprised...The menu is extensive enough for me to become indecisive. There is a great...
I have walked past this place so many times, dismissing it as a diner, but when I finally went in, wow, was I surprised...The menu is extensive enough for me to become indecisive. There is a great martini menu, and at $7.50 a pop, they are a deal in Chicago -- and they have a special on Wednesday that the martinis are $4.00, even better. The food is much better than I expected, with a good array of salads, sandwiches, and some better entrées. I had the truffle tuna and when the server asked how I wanted it cooked, it made me so happy, because Ahi is really good really rare. The service from the bar was quite slow, but worth it. Advice: Skip dessert in favor of a dessert martini, like the German chocolate or the mint chocolate chip.
Hide
|
|
Finally out from behind the auspices of construction, Cafe Absinthe is a posh and romantic spot that delivers the goods when it comes to food and service. Beautifully decorated in red tones, the...
Finally out from behind the auspices of construction, Cafe Absinthe is a posh and romantic spot that delivers the goods when it comes to food and service. Beautifully decorated in red tones, the dining floor sits in front of an open kitchen. Two long banquettes line the room, with lots of tables for two. Our server was helpful, but just aloof as to not hover. The first course options are good openers for the well-prepared entrees (I recommend the filet, medium rare). Desserts were hard to resist, and I really tried my best, I swear. The room is cozy, despite its communal feel, and it is hard not to be impressed.
Hide
|
|
Rotofugi
Category:
Toy Stores
1953 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60622
(312) 491-9501
I love going into Rotofugi. You have to work your way around the room, and give yourself time to really look. All kinds of little and big art toys that look for the most part as if they were made...
I love going into Rotofugi. You have to work your way around the room, and give yourself time to really look. All kinds of little and big art toys that look for the most part as if they were made for a Tim Burton version of Anime. There are dolls, like my favorite the "Ugly Doll" which I got for my niece in order to let her see a world beyond Disney. The toys are strange, and clever, and humorous, and strange. By all means, check this store out. Even if the store attendant ignores you (which will most likely happen), don't be afraid to ask questions, even if it is just to annoy the clerk.
Hide
|
|
The place is nice inside, but I never see anyone in there other than a solitary couple at a table. Whenever I have dined there, same thing except that I am part of that twosome. The food is good,...
The place is nice inside, but I never see anyone in there other than a solitary couple at a table. Whenever I have dined there, same thing except that I am part of that twosome. The food is good, so it is a shame that more people don't go there. There are lunch specials that are cheap and fast, and the Chili rellenos are quite tasty. The service is always good, attentive actually. I recommend the place, and it shouldn't be hard to get a table. Maybe Fridays and Saturdays are their big nights, I haven't made it there on those particular nights, but I hope they stay in business. They offer a lighter version of Mexican food which is refreshing in the neighborhood.
Hide
|
|
The food isn't all that great nor is it all that bad, but the service is usually so bad anyway, that I find little reason to go to the Twisted Spoke. Everything I have ordered has been a let-down,...
The food isn't all that great nor is it all that bad, but the service is usually so bad anyway, that I find little reason to go to the Twisted Spoke. Everything I have ordered has been a let-down, but the Bloody Mary's are by far the best thing that you can order here. They come with a beer back, and great garnishment. The only other good thing about TS is the roof patio. On a beautiful summer Sunday morning, a bloody mary is a good bet. Other than that, if you really need food that bad...
Hide
|
|
Flo
Category:
Food & Dining
1434 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60642
(312) 243-0477
I am a big brunch person, and time I go to Flo, I leave happy, but a little disappointed at the same time. The food is really good, and I am always quite happy with it. I guess it is that I never...
I am a big brunch person, and time I go to Flo, I leave happy, but a little disappointed at the same time. The food is really good, and I am always quite happy with it. I guess it is that I never really see what I want on the menu, so I tend to get the same thing all the time. I need to order something different, but I keep going for the tried and true. But Flo is good, and that is not a bad thing, especially in this part of town. Reasonably priced, decent offering of wines, sizable portions, a tex-mex kinda feel, with nightly specials that are quite the deal. The place is a bit small, and popular so don't be surprised if you have to wait for a table, especially at brunch.
Hide
|
|
If you are craving mexican, Playa Del Mar will fit the bill. The menu is seafood heavy. The ceviche with everything, including octopus, is good, but not great. The shrimp cocktail is much better,...
If you are craving mexican, Playa Del Mar will fit the bill. The menu is seafood heavy. The ceviche with everything, including octopus, is good, but not great. The shrimp cocktail is much better, and I recommend it highly. I tend to go for straight-up tacos (lots of cilantro and onions, not taco bell-style) or burritos when I get food to go or dine in, but the entree's are good as well. And yes, almost everything comes with beans and rice. The guacamole can be good, but in the off-season for avocados, they don't serve it, which I think is a good sign for a place that actually cares about the food they serve. It's cheap, and they are open later at night.
Hide
|
|
Fresco has a diverse menu, reasonable prices for big portions, and a lovely, lovely patio in the summer. They have nightly drink specials which make the place even more inviting, e.g. half-off...
Fresco has a diverse menu, reasonable prices for big portions, and a lovely, lovely patio in the summer. They have nightly drink specials which make the place even more inviting, e.g. half-off wines by the glass or cheap pints of a good selection of beers on tap. The bar/restaurant is a bit small, and can get smoky, but I adore the outdoor area. It's lush and comfortable. They also have some tv's to watch the game. The food isn't spectacular, but it is tasty and fulfilling. Simple, but well-prepared, and better than most food in the area.
Hide
|
|
This place is always busy, and there is good reason. The coffee is good, and the cookies are awesome. They also offer other temptations, such as brownies and muffins. It is a bit cramped, but...
This place is always busy, and there is good reason. The coffee is good, and the cookies are awesome. They also offer other temptations, such as brownies and muffins. It is a bit cramped, but hey, they are just making money. The staff is always super nice and accommodating, but sometimes I feel like I can't linger at the display cases, only because there is always someone waiting behind me, and I don't want to hold anyone up. But really, go here if you are in the neighborhood, or even if it is a bit out of your way.
Hide
|
|
Burger Baron is cheap and really good for a non-chain fast food joint. They have a really large menu, so give yourself some time before deciding. Of course, there are burgers, with your choice of...
Burger Baron is cheap and really good for a non-chain fast food joint. They have a really large menu, so give yourself some time before deciding. Of course, there are burgers, with your choice of toppings and temperature. But they also feature all kinds of sandwiches( some healthier than others), combo meals, and surprisingly, decent and large salads. Also, try a shake, for that extra ounce of decadence -- my favorite is strawberry, made with real ice cream. The guys that work the counter and very nice and helpful, but be warned the place gets pretty busy at lunchtime. Go local, and avoid the chains for much, much better food.
Hide
|